A RACING car that played a pivotal role in the burgeoning career of a teenage Lewis Hamilton has gone on display in Somerset.

Haynes Motor Museum has unveiled an addition to its Hall of Motorsport – the car that launched Hamilton’s iconic career – leading to seven Formula 1 world championship titles.

The car, a meticulously restored Formula Renault, was the first-ever single-seater driven by Hamilton at the age of 16 and is the only surviving chassis from that part of his career.

It has been put on show after a three-year restoration project by Nick Edginton Racing, which saw the vehicle painstakingly reassembled with period-correct parts sourced globally, preserving its authentic history.

The car was driven by Hamilton during the 2002-2003 seasons with Manor Motorsport in the Formula Renault UK Championship and select rounds of the Formula Renault Eurocup series.

Notably, on June 16, 2002, it took Hamilton to his first ever single-seater victory at Thruxton, where he claimed pole position, set the fastest lap, and earned a thrilling win.

Throughout the season, Hamilton went on to achieve three wins, four podiums, three pole positions, and five fastest laps across 11 rounds, marking his clear potential in the racing world.

The car, which has been loaned to the Museum, at Sparkford, will give visitors a chance to enjoy the beginnings of a motorsport legend.

“We are thrilled to give Hamilton fans and motorsport enthusiasts the chance to experience this piece of history up close, celebrating the roots of a champion in a setting dedicated to celebrating stories of motoring heritage,” said Museum curator, Dr Luca Hoare.

“This display was made possible through Alex Thornton, the car’s owner, and Nick Edginton, who led the restoration.

“Through an introduction by another a former racing driver, the museum team collaborated with Thornton to bring this significant car to Haynes, where it finds a fitting home among other icons of racing history,” she added.

Haynes Motor Museum boasts the UK’s largest collection of cars and motorcycles, with more than 300 vehicles on display, including the Hall of Motorsport exhibition, where Hamilton’s car is featured.